Matthew Theodore Walton

  Matthew Theodore Walton, 56, died Saturday, May 4, 2024, in East Jordan, Michigan.   He died unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep at his home on Lake Charlevoix in the cottage built by his father. The night before, he enjoyed the beautiful weather with a bonfire, music and the company and goodwill of loved ones.  He had a good last day!

  Matt was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan on February 12, 1968.  He grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan and graduated with the Class of 1986.

  He studied Education at Eastern Michigan University and Geology at Michigan Technological University.  But before he attained a degree, Matt headed off to Alaska.

  Matthew met his future wife, Diane Daley of East Jordan, while staying at the cottage one spring.  He took her to Alaska and married her on a fishing tender on Prince William Sound on August 18, 1996.  He cherished every day with her.

  Matthew’s greatest joy as a worker was when he was Plant Manager at a salmon processing plant in Valdez, Alaska.  He used the skills he learned there in his other work, most recently, at Bay Shore Steel Works in Charlevoix, Michigan as their Quality and Plant Manager.

  Matt and Diane returned from Alaska to make their home in East Jordan. Matthew served the community with devotion: Freedom Festival organizer, Pop Warner Football Coach and program director, JV Football Coach.  In 2014, he was recognized for his contributions with the Youth Leader Award as part of the Beyond the Scoreboard Champions of Character Awards.

  To know Matt is to know how much he loved football, wrestling, fishing, bow hunting, bird watching and DANCING.

  Matthew is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Samuel and Joseph; his cat, Joliet Jake; and his dogs, Wizzer and Purdy. 

  He is survived by his wife, Diane; his sisters, Kelli and Katharine (Russell) Walton Goodburn; brother-in-law, Scott Daley; six nieces and nephews; fifteen great nieces and nephews; aunts, uncles, many cousins, his dog, Clover; his cat, Reggie; and so many friends and former players.

  He made a point to be attentive to all.  But, Diane says, he loved her best. :) He Did!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you Philippians 1:3.

A celebration of Life gathering is scheduled on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Lighthouse Missionary Church in East Jordan.

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